Indochine
An Extraordinary Cultural Journey to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $5695 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 16 days |
| Arrive: | Luang Prabang, Laos |
| Depart: | Siem Reap, Cambodia |
| Lodging: | 14 nights deluxe hotels, 1 night aboard private traditional junk describe |
| Meals: | All meals included except 3 dinners |
| Activity: | Archaeology, Cultural Adventures |
| Trip Level: |
Overland travel with walking tours, cultural explorations
|
Highlights
- Luang Prabang, an ancient town of temples on the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers
- Hanoi, “Paris of the Orient,” magical Halong Bay, charming Hoi An
- Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most phenomenal architectural achievements
This was my second time on this trip, and I found it as enchanting as the first time.Judith M.—Albuquerque NM
Choosing the Right Trip
We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References
We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.
Email Area ManagerDeparture Notes
Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.
Resources
Gold-leafed pagodas glinting in the sun, straw-roofed sampans drifting down tranquil rivers, ornate royal capitals—our journey to Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia brings us into an ancient world of stunning beauty and vibrant cultures. We get a glimpse of daily life as we meet a mosaic of intriguing peoples in their villages, schools, homes, and temples, and discover irresistible settings like Luang Prabang in the heart of the old Lao kingdom, breathtaking Halong Bay, and Hoi An, Vietnam’s beautiful 17th century trading port, now a World Heritage Site. Our journey ends at glorious Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s jungle-shrouded city of temples lost in time.
Itinerary at a Glance
For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary
Days 1-4
Luang Prabang, Laos
The ancient royal capital of Laos, Luang Prabang is a regal town of gilded temples encircled by mountains. Here, we stroll the atmospheric streets, visit 15th century shrines, boat up the winding Mekong River to the Buddhist caves at Pak Ou, and explore villages of the Hmong and Khamu hilltribes.
Days 5-6
Hanoi, Vietnam
In this graceful city on the Red River, bicycle rickshaws are the ideal way to explore the back streets of the 15th century Old Quarter. Our visit includes the studio of a renowned local artist and the excellent Museum of Ethnology.
Day 7
Private Junk on Halong Bay
A World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is a magical setting of thousands of sheer limestone islands jutting out of a jade-green sea. Our overnight cruise aboard a traditional junk gives us the chance to capture the evening and early morning vistas of this ethereal setting.
Days 8-9
Saigon
The ancient port of Hoi An, with its narrow lanes packed with well-preserved 17th century wooden houses, is still redolent of the atmosphere of its days as a trading port in silk and porcelain.
Days 10-12
Hue / Saigon
In Hue, Vietnam’s ancient cultural capital, we visit the majestic Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty, journey by private “dragon boat” up the Perfume River, and roam the vibrant Dong Ba Central Market. On Day 12, we discover bustling Saigon.
Days 13-16
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Covered with intricate bas-reliefs and scattered across a tropical landscape, Angkor Wat is a lasting monument to the glory of a bygone Khmer civilization. Here among some of the world’s architectural masterpieces, we explore jungle-draped, intricately carved temples, then depart from Siem Reap in the afternoon of Day 16.
For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:
- Burma Extension (8 days)
- Bangkok Extension (3 days)
- Phuket Extension (4 days)
- Chiang Mai Extension (3 days)
- Bangkok Extension (3 days)
What the Trip is Like
The trip is Level 1+, or Easiest. It is an overland cultural adventure, and for the most part, physical activity is light but we still encourage participants to get in shape for the trip because travel to remote places does require some physical stamina. We ask that you make a special effort to bring flexibility and a spirit of adventure to this unique journey.
Departures & Leaders
Nov 6-21, 2013 Mathew Smith
Dec 21, 2013-Jan 5, 2014 Mathew Smith
Dec 28, 2013-Jan 12, 2014 David Henley
Jan 12-27, 2014 Mathew Smith
Feb 8-23, 2014 Mathew Smith
Nov 1-16, 2014
Dec 20, 2014-Jan 4, 2015
Feb 7-22, 2015
Trip Cost
Prices valid through Spring 2014
$5695 (15-16 members)
$5896 (11-14 members)
$6195 (8-10 members)
Single supplement: $1295
Forced single supplement: $1295
Internal airfare: $790 (subject to change)
Holiday surcharge (December 21): $200
more on pricing
Trip Cost Includes:
- Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
- Accommodations
- All meals included except 3 dinners
- Sightseeing as noted with entrance fees to sites and museums
- Surface transportation in buses or vans
- Land transportation, airport transfers for all passengers, and baggage handling
Trip Cost Does Not Include:
International airfare, internal airfare/taxes within Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, beverages at group meals, international airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, hotels en route to/from Asia and any additional hotel nights that may be necessary due to airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).Villa Santi Hotel
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Luang Prabang, Laos
A charming boutique hotel, the Villa Santi is a former royal residence situated in the heart of the old historic town, just steps from the temples ...
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Hanoi Opera Hilton Hotel
Days 4 to 6 (3 nights), Hanoi, Vietnam
This landmark hotel is located adjacent to the Parisian-style Opera House in the heart of Hanoi’s elegant French Quarter and just steps from ...
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Private Junk
Day 7 (1 night), Halong Bay, Vietnam
Overnighting aboard a private junk in a secluded cove of Halong Bay is a unique opportunity to capture the evening and early morning vistas of this ...
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Hoi An Hotel (Nov 6, 2013 and Jan 12, 2014 Departures)
Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Hoi An, Vietnam
The Hoi An, a French colonial-style hotel with well-maintained gardens, enjoys a central location and amenities including a swimming pool with bar, ...
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Anantara Hoi An (Dec 21, 2013, Dec 28, 2013 and Feb 8, 2014 Departures)
Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Hoi An, Vietnam
Set along the scenic Thu Bon River in Hoi An’s French colonial quarter, the Anantara features three restaurants and guest rooms with one queen ...
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La Residence Hotel & Spa
Days 10 to 11 (2 nights), Hue, Vietnam
Located on the Perfume River near the center of Hue, the La Residence Hotel & Spa is a former governor’s residence renovated into a ...
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Caravelle Hotel
Day 12 (1 night), Saigon, Vietnam
The chic Caravelle is situated adjacent to the French Colonial Opera House in Saigon’s downtown. Many luminaries have stayed here, including ...
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Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Resort
Days 13 to 15 (3 nights), Siem Reap, Cambodia
Set among lovely gardens and ponds, the Sofitel Royal Angkor will feel like an oasis of serenity after a full day exploring the temples of Angkor ...
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Extension Accommodations
If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:
- Burma Extension (8 days)
- Bangkok Extension (3 days)
- Phuket Extension (4 days)
- Chiang Mai Extension (3 days)
- Bangkok Extension (3 days)
Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Our Trip Leaders
Here are the Trip Leaders scheduled for this journey (please note that leader assignments are subject to change).
David Henley was born and raised in England, where he studied as a commercial photographer before embarking on an extended adventure throughout Asia. He eventually settled in Chiang Mai, where he has been living for over 25 years, and he is married with two children. David’s passion remains ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips
Mathew Smith, a former language teacher from the UK, went to Thailand to teach in 1987, fell in love with Southeast Asia, and met his future wife. He now lives in Chiang Mai with his wife and daughter. Fluent in Thai, Mathew is loved by trip members for his extraordinary knowledge of Southeast ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:
Burma
Myanmar
Thailand
Bangkok Extension
Discover the Beautiful Cultural Monuments of Bangkok
Cultural Adventures
3 days
-
Level 1
Chiang Mai Extension
Explore the Wonders of Northern Thailand
Cultural Adventures, Walking, Wildlife & Natural History
3 days
-
Level 2
Phuket Extension
Explore a Jewel Set in the Andaman Sea
Cultural Adventures, Sea Kayaking
4 days
-
Level 2
Client Comments
This was my second time on this trip, and I found it as enchanting as the first time.Judith M., Albuquerque NM
We were taught so much beyond the usual viewpoint given to a tourist that I felt I had a much deeper understanding of the culture and history than I would have if traveling with a different company.Charlene H., Palm Springs CA
This was an adventure that my husband and I will long remember. Thanks to WT for yet another outstanding trip. You really know how to run a good trip.Essie H., Santa Monica, CA
Our Trip Leader was outstanding. His extensive knowledge, charm, patience, and delightful sense of humor made for a memorable trip.Anne W., Riverside, CT
A great way to see three countries in 2.5 weeks. Very enjoyable and educational.Joseph L., Acampo, CA
Everything was great about this trip from start to finish.Tish P., Ashland, OR
The trip was wonderful. I am impressed not only with the itinerary, hotels, and food, but also with how smoothly the trip runs.Robert B., Berkeley, CA
This was a very memorable experience. The logistics were absolutely seamless and we learned a great deal.Alan W., Bedford, MA
Experiencing different cultures; viewing beautiful scenery within the cities and in rural areas; learning Indochine's incredible contempary and ancient histories; and meeting its beautiful people made this trip extraordinary. Every day brought unique experiences. My world view has been profoundly changed by the experience.Marjo K., Bend, OR
We had many wonderful experiences during this trip! Each country had its own special events that helped us better understand its people and the ways they live. As we learned more, we developed increasing respect, knowing about the glories of their pasts and their visions for the future.Linda L., San Antonio, TX







